1 front fork leaking oil. Is it okay to ride?

[professorman]

one of my front forks leaked over the winter. Is it okay to ride? or am I messing up my forks doing so?

[Wade-Kat600]

well - there are a few issues you'll run into -

1: it isnt going to work so hot - which means it will start to cause a bobble when you hit bumps especially in corners.

2: its going to get on your brake caliper and leave a f'n mess not to mention cause uneven or unworking pads

3: it isnt good for the forks to have no compression resistance

replacement cost: 12$ - $20 including oil
time to do it yourself - about 2-3 hrs

Tools required:
Allen wrench set
Hammer
Lock Tite
Hammer
Pipe fittings (about 7 pvc 1 1/2" couplers)
Fork Oil
Fork Seals

[professorman]

Is there a link to a do it yourself for seal replacement?

[md86]

http://www.katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16737&highlight=fork+seal+replacement

[87vert]

I think my right one is leaking a bit, every now and then I'll see a few drops of oil on the fork. The left one is dry.

Could this be the seal leaking or is there a wiper or something in there that just isnt working properly?

[md86]

If there's oil on the forks , you got yourself a leaky seal . The wiper is mainly to keep the dirt and crap off the seal .